Looking for an easy way to get around Las Vegas?
The Las Vegas Monorail is one of the simplest ways for families to travel the Vegas Strip without worrying about traffic, parking fees, or long rideshare waits. The train connects several major resorts and attractions while providing an air-conditioned break from the desert heat.
While it isn’t perfect – and you’ll still do plenty of walking – the Monorail can save both time and money during your Las Vegas vacation. Plus, it’s kinda fun to ride, too!
Here’s everything you need to know, including Las Vegas Monorail cost, stations, hours, tips, and whether the Las Vegas Monorail is worth it for families.
What Is the Las Vegas Monorail?
The Las Vegas Monorail is an elevated train system that runs along the east side of the Las Vegas Strip. It is safe, clean, and easy to use.
The route stretches approximately 3.9 miles from the south end of the Strip at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino to Sahara Las Vegas on the north end. Along the way, it makes five additional stops, giving you access to dozens of attractions and the many fun things to do on the Las Vegas Strip.
The seven Monorail stations include:
- MGM Grand
- Horseshoe Las Vegas/Paris
- Flamingo/Caesars Palace
- Harrah’s/The LINQ Hotel & Casino
- Boingo Station Las Vegas Convention Center
- Westgate Las Vegas Resort
- Sahara Las Vegas
Although it doesn’t stop at Sphere Las Vegas, one of the cool things about riding the Monorail is that it passes right by it, giving you an up-close view of the massive venue.
When we rode by recently, we got a cool view of the giant ruby slippers currently on display to promote The Wizard of Oz.
Because the Las Vegas Monorail connects so many major landmarks, it makes exploring multiple resorts much easier. (This is especially true on hot days when you don’t want to be walking outside!)
Las Vegas Monorail Cost
There are a number of ticket options for the Las Vegas Monorail. You can purchase a one-ride ticket or multi-day passes so you can hop on and off throughout your trip to explore attractions, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues.
Here are the current Las Vegas Monorail ticket prices:
- One Ride Ticket: $6
- 1 Day Pass: $15
- 2 Day Pass: $26
- 3 Day Pass: $32
- 4 Day Pass: $39
- 5 Day Pass: $47
- 7 Day Pass: $62
Want to get a discount? Purchase your monorail tickets online to save a few dollars. You can view current prices and purchase tickets at lvmonorail.com.
If you don’t buy in advance, paper tickets are still available at ticket vending machines and customer service booths at Monorail stations. Children five and under ride free.
Las Vegas Monorail Hours
The Las Vegas Monorail operates daily beginning at 7 a.m.
Current operating hours are:
- Monday: 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Tuesday through Thursday: 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- Friday through Sunday: 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.
The extended weekend hours make the monorail especially convenient if you are attending a concert, sporting event, or evening show.
Trains run frequently throughout the day, arriving every four to eight minutes at each station. Digital signs at each station display real-time arrival information for both northbound and southbound trains, making the system easy to navigate even for first-time visitors.
Monorail hours can occasionally change because of special events, maintenance, or operational updates, so it is always a good idea to verify current schedules before your trip.
Since you’ll also have to buy a ticket for each person, the total price can add up quickly.
Where Are the Seven Monorail Stations?
Here’s a quick look at each of the seven stations and some of the main attractions you can access from each one.
1. MGM Grand Station
Connected directly to the MGM Grand, nearby attractions include:
- M&M’s Las Vegas
- Hershey’s Chocolate World
- Paradox Museum
- New York-New York
This station is especially convenient for families visiting the southern end of the Strip.
2. Flamingo/Caesars Palace Station
Located inside the Flamingo, this station offers access to:
- The Forum Shops
- Caesars Palace
- Hell’s Kitchen
- The Colosseum
3. Horseshoe/Paris Station
Accessible through the Horseshoe with connections to Paris Las Vegas, nearby attractions include:
- Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck
- Beer Park
- Twilight Zone Mini Golf
4. Harrah’s/The LINQ Station
Located between Harrah’s and The LINQ, this station provides access to:
- The LINQ Promenade
- High Roller Observation Wheel
- Fly LINQ Zipline
- The Venetian Expo
This is one of the most useful stations for families because several attractions are within walking distance.
5. Boingo Station Las Vegas Convention Center Station
This station serves the convention center campus and is particularly useful during large conventions, trade shows, and conferences.
Families attending sporting events or special exhibitions may also find this stop convenient.
6. Westgate Station
Located inside Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, this station is near:
- Fontainebleau Las Vegas
- Convention Center hotels
7. Sahara Station
Located inside Sahara Las Vegas, this station offers convenient access to:
- The STRAT
- North Strip hotels and attractions
Pros & Cons of Using the Monorail
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of riding the Las Vegas Monorail.
Pros
1. Avoid Strip Traffic
Traffic along Las Vegas Boulevard can become extremely congested, especially on weekends and holidays.
The monorail completely bypasses traffic.
2. Air Conditioning
Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100 degrees, making the climate-controlled trains especially appealing.
3. Save on Parking Fees
Most resorts on the Las Vegas Strip now charge for parking, with average self-parking rates ranging from $20 to $40. Using public transportation saves you from that expense.
4. Fun to Ride
Kids love trains, making the monorail a fun way to get around, as well as a convenient one. If you are visiting Las Vegas with teens, they can enjoy the independence of safely using the Monorail.
Cons
1. Stations Can Be Difficult to Find
Many stations are located inside casinos or at the back of large resorts.
First-time riders may need extra time to locate entrances.
2. Trains Don’t Stop at Every Hotel
Popular resorts such as the Bellagio, Venetian Resort Las Vegas, and Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino do not have a stop nearby.
3. You Will Still Walk Quite a Bit
Even with the Monorail, Las Vegas involves substantial walking. As noted above, not every hotel has a stop, and even for those that do, the station is located in the back of the hotel. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended.
Las Vegas Monorail Tips for Families
- Strollers are permitted on the train.
- Purchase multi-day passes if you plan to ride several times daily.
- Use the monorail during the hottest afternoon hours.
- Expect additional walking from stations to attractions.
- Be aware the Monorail can get crowded when there are major conventions are in town.
- The Monorail system is wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant. Wheelchairs, walkers, and motorized scooters are all welcome on the Monorail.
- Allow extra time when using the system for shows or reservations.
Final Thoughts: Is the Monorail Worth It?
For many families, the answer is yes.
The Las Vegas Monorail offers a comfortable, air-conditioned alternative to driving and can make getting around Las Vegas without a car much easier. Riding the Monorail will also help you avoid traffic, skip expensive parking fees, and quickly travel between many of Las Vegas’s most popular hotels and attractions.
The Monorail is especially worthwhile if:
- You are staying at a hotel on the Strip
- You plan to visit multiple hotels and attractions
- You want to avoid driving in heavy traffic
- You are visiting during the hot summer months
- You are traveling with older children or teens
The trains are clean, easy to navigate, and often faster than driving short distances and parking at multiple resorts.
That said, it’s important to remember that the monorail doesn’t eliminate walking altogether. Many stations are located deep inside casino resorts, which can make getting to and from the platforms a bit of a trek, especially for families with younger children or strollers.
Families who spend most of their vacation at a single resort may not use the system enough to justify an unlimited pass. However, visitors who plan to explore several hotels, attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues will likely find the Monorail to be one of the most useful transportation tools during their Las Vegas vacation.
For more help planning, check out these other articles about Las Vegas below!
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